Fireworks Light up Festive Season at Loch Lomond Shores

It’s a case of ‘Remember, remember 19November’ as Loch Lomond Shores prepares for its annual Christmas light switch on and firework display on Sunday 19 November 2017.

The free event is extremely popular, with around 15,000 people attending last year. The 2017 event promises to be even bigger and better, with the addition of extra decorations and activities, including the launch of a continental-style Christmas market with roast chestnuts, mulled wine, German sausages, gingerbread and treats.

Other activities include facepainters, balloons, a cartoonist and a carousel. The Kilted Skirlie restaurant has a special festive menu available on the day, and is taking bookings for tables with a vantage point from which to view the fireworks.

Loch Lomond Shores manager, Audrey Reid said: “We’re very excited about Christmas this year. The Christmas lights and fireworks event has been really popular on facebook, so we’re expecting a good turn out.

“The day will start at 10am, with our weekend market and the launch of our Christmas market. We’ll have balloons, facepainters and a caricaturist, funfair rides including an old-fashioned carousel, as well as the markets and street food. Then from 12 noon, Your Radio will lead us through the afternoon with music, giveaways and entertainment until the lights and fireworks. We’ll have a couple of very special guests to help us turn on the lights!

Audrey continued: “We appreciate that it’s a school night, so people might want to get away immediately afterwards, but the markets will be open to 7pm, to help get everyone into the festive spirit.”

Local charity ROHHAD Association will be fundraising during the day. As the event is free, everyone attending is asked to give what they can to help the charity, which is trying to raise awareness of the rare and life threatening medical condition which affects children.

Finally, Loch Lomond Shores is aware that on big event days, the car parks can take some time to empty if there’s a large volume of traffic.

Organisers would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience, and invite anyone who can stay a little longer to enjoy what’s on offer until 8pm in order to let the car parks clear.

Loch Lomond Shores is the gateway to Scotland’s first national park and is situated at Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, G83 8QL.

The Christmas Lights and Fireworks event is 10am-8pm on Sunday 19 November. The event is free to attend and does not require a ticket. However activities are provided by partners and third party suppliers, and charges for some activities apply.

The light switch on will be led by Gary Marshall of Your Radio with Santa Claus and a representative from CHAS.

Santa will be appearing as part of the event, but Santa’s grotto will not open until 25 November. For more information about the grotto and a link to book tickets, see www.lochlomondshores.com